Apr 29, 2015

I have been eagerly awaiting news on just how the Outlander TV Season 1 will finish up, and just how Ronald D Moore will bring Outlander Season 2 to the screen. As a huge fan of the books, I have been absolutely loving the new series and cannot wait to see how Book 1 plays out in the end, and of course how they will adapt Dragonfly In Amber (book 2) into the TV show. Ever since it was announced fans have been eagerly awaiting news on who will be casted to play the roles of Brianna and Roger. Fans have had a go at guessing here on Pinterest.I also wonder where the series will be filmed. Ever since I read the wonderful Outlander books by Diana Gabaldon almost 5 years ago, I have been dreaming of visiting Scotland. Now after watching the brilliant TV series and reading the books again, Scotland has hit the top of my travel wish list. I would love to take a historical walk in the footsteps of Jamie and Claire in Scotland's Highlands - I found this interactive map of the Outlander locations. And for all of my fellow Outlander obsessed fans out there, hope you like these new images of the second half of Season 1 on Starz. Here is a great recap of Episode 12 'LallyBroch" if you are interested.

So I think this is the perfect rainy weekend to curl up and start reading Outlander, or binge on the Outlander TV series, now on Foxtel Soho Channel and iTunes. The music soundtrack by Bear Mcreary is also just beautiful. And for my fellow obsessed Outlander fans, here is some great sites I found for all the Outlander news:

Apr 25, 2015

Papi Chulo Pop Up with MerivaleWell, after last week's little sneak peak blog post, here is some more pics of the lovely Eat Read Love Pop Up Lunch I hosted with Lisa Madigan last week at Papi Chulo Manly by Merivale. It is always so great to meet up with a great bunch of creatives ladies. The Pop Up Dinner concept has 'gathering' at it's heart. Too often we sit for long periods of time with our technology, our phones, computers and on instagram, with limited human contact. For many of us freelance writers, bloggers, photographers and creatives it can be lonely and uninspiring working at home everyday. Its always inspiring when you get to meet in person and bounce ideas with others, talk about your current projects, or catch up with someone in 'real life' that you have met or admired 'online'. That is what the Eat Read Love Pop Up concept is all about. Oh and did I mention the food. WOW is all I can say. Papi Chulo put on a fabulous feast for us. I am still thinking about the Hokkaido scallop sashimi, tobiko, grilled corn, jalapeño, avocado, and roasted seaweed. So good! Here is a sample of our bespoke Papi Chulo Pop Up menu created by head chefs Christopher Hogarth and Patrick Friesen.

It is hard to beat a few hours away from the computer screen over a lovely meal with a new group of likeminded creatives and spirited foodies. Old friends reconnect and new friendships flourish. New ideas come to life at the table, and partnerships continue long after the lunch. So for that reason alone the Eat Read Love pop up events will continue, in new and exciting venues, with different groups of people and special guests to inspire and learn from. My sincere gratitude to all of the special ladies who came along to join us at Papi Chulo. What a super creative and clever bunch you all are!

Eat Read Love would love to acknowledge the wonderful support from our event partners who help to make these events and wonderful creative collaborations come to life.

Thank you so very much to our very generous gift bag sponsors. I can’t thank you enough for sending your precious goodies to us for the Pop Up Dinner Goodie Bags. The girls loved the goodie bags, and they came just in time for Winter pampering I think.

Apr 24, 2015

Mothers Day Gift Ideas - Blog HopThe lovely Steph from Bondville has created this lovely Mothers Day Blog Hop for us all to get inspired for Mothers Day. So I am joining bloggers Viv,ish & chi, Lexi,PottyMouthMama and Steph fromBondville to to share some of my favourite Mothers Day Gift inspiration. Mother's Day is a special time for many people, and also can be a really difficult time remembering loved ones that have passed. This is a particularly difficult one for me and my Mum after losing our precious Nan a few months ago. She was 99 years when she passed and a truly amazing and inspirational women. So this Mothers Day we will be keeping it simple and spending time remembering our beautiful Nan. As a Mum of two busy little boys, when Mother's Day does come around each year I do love to get spoilt, but I most look forward to time with the family and a little time out to relax and sleep in, or just read a good book in peace. Many of us rush around like crazy during the week juggling the responsibilities of kids, family, and work, so for this year's wishlist I have focused on gift ideas that might encourage quality time together with your mum and maybe a little R&R too. With something to suit all budgets, here is my top picks for all the lovely Mums out there - the home loving Mum, the decorator Mum, the foodie Mum, the adventure Mum, and the bookish Mum. 1. For the Home Loving Mum - Kara Rosenlund Limited Edition Photography Prints. Photographer, stylist and all round amazing woman Kara Rosenlund has THE most beautiful limited edition photography prints on her online store. Truly beautiful photographs from a truly special lady, I think any home would feel even warmer with one of these on the wall. Something to treasure indeed. Buy online here.

2. For the Decorator Mum - Country Style Homes by Victoria Carey. This beautiful new book Country Style Homes is full of stunning images of the prettiest and most charming Australian country homes, drawn from one of my most favourite magazines Country Style with editor Victoria Carey. Full of beautiful imagery and stories of artists, cooks, gardeners, historians, collectors and more this is sure to inspire the decorator Mum indeed. Buy $33.95 online here

3. For the Food Loving Mum - 'Margaret and Me' by Kate Gibbs with Margaret Fulton. As someone who grew up with both my Mum and Nan cooking recipes every week from the classic Margaret Fulton cookbooks, this lovely new book written by a special lady and foodie friend Kate Gibbs is one that is close to my heart and will no doubt be a very popular gift for Mothers Day. Coming out in early May. To follow all of Kate's fabulous foodies adventures, head over to The Kitchen Inc. by Kate Gibbs. For the book Buy $31.95 here.

4. For the Mum who Needs a Break - Weekend Retreat at The Cottage Kangaroo Valley. Why not spoil mum with a special weekend away. The Cottage in Kangaroo Valley owned and operated by artist Lisa Madigan is the perfect spot for a girls weekend retreat…think red wine by the fire, retail therapy in nearby Berry, and cafe hopping in Kangaroo Valley. This is the perfect place to slow down, chat and stroll in the countryside. Lisa's cottage is now open for bookings, and this could be a perfect gift to surprise Mum. Be sure to mention eat read love when you book. POA.

5. For the Adventurous Mum - Glamping it Up. For the more adventurous Mum, booking a special weekend at The Paperbark Camp Luxury Glamping Tents could well be the perfect Winter escape. Imagine spending a night or two in a luxury African style safari tent in the heart of NSW South Coast, the sounds of the bush and the camp fire, luxury beds and linens, and nearby Huskisson for girls shopping and lunching, with spa therapies and amazing food waiting for you back at Paperbark Camp. Pure indulgence indeed, but I guarantee your Mum will walk away feeling so relaxed! P.O.A

For those in Victoria, Happy Glamper in the Mornington Peninsula have the most gorgeous Bell Tents and Airstream Caravans for a weekend retreat (see below) - they will set it all up for you in selected locations on the Mornington Peninsula and all you need to do is turn up, sit down and relax and unwind. Surprise your Mum with a fun Glamping weekend in the country… P.O.A

6. For the Mum with a Sweet Tooth - High Tea for the Ladies at the new Langham Sydney. An afternoon doing 'High Tea' in style with Mum could be a wonderful way to treat your mum (or yourself) on Mothers Day or in the weeks after. Book an Afternoon with Wedgewood here. From $55pp

7. For the Bookish Mum: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. The Night Circus is a beautiful enchanting book that I have just finished reading and I think this would be a lovely gift for the Mum who loves to read fantasy fiction. I have also recently enjoyed Liane Moriarty's books, especially 'The Husbands Secret' and 'Big Little Lies'. The Outlander book series is almost 20 years old now but with the new TV series hitting the box, Outlander has had a well deserved second rise to fame, and is a really fabulous read (and watch!)

Apr 11, 2015

Papi Chulo Pop Up Lunch with MerivaleYesterday I hosted the Eat Read Love pop up lunch at the sensational Papi Chulo in Manly. I wanted to share a few sneaky peek shots of the event. It was such a wonderful day to get together with some awesome gals for a long lunch. Special thanks to Lisa Madigan for the beautiful table styling, and to Nadean Richards for taking these gorgeous photos. HUGE thank you to the Merivale Team - Rebecca, Lisa and Emily and to all the staff at Papi Chulo the food absolutely rocked! I will share all of the details soon, but couldn't wait to put a few lovely shots on the blog….stay tuned for more.